How do mice get rabies? - briefly
Mice become infected when they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, typically a carnivore such as a raccoon, fox, or an already infected rodent, with the virus transmitted through saliva into the wound. Because they are not primary reservoirs, infection occurs only after direct exposure to a rabid predator, resulting in low overall incidence.
How do mice get rabies? - in detail
Mice become infected with the rabies virus primarily through exposure to saliva from a rabid carnivore. The most common routes are:
- Bite wounds inflicted by an infected predator such as a raccoon, fox, coyote, or bat.
- Contact with contaminated saliva on an open skin abrasion or mucous membrane.
- Ingestion of infected tissue when scavenging carcasses or prey that carry the virus.
Rodents are not natural reservoirs; the virus does not persist in mouse populations without repeated introductions from wildlife. When a bite occurs, the virus enters peripheral nerves at the wound site and travels centripetally toward the central nervous system. Replication in the brain produces neurological signs, including agitation, paralysis, and excessive salivation. The incubation period in small mammals ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the inoculation site and viral load.
Secondary transmission from mice to other animals or humans is exceedingly rare because the virus concentration in mouse saliva is low and aggressive behavior that would promote biting is uncommon. Nonetheless, any rodent found dead or displaying neurological disturbances in regions with endemic wildlife rabies should be considered a potential source of infection for predators that might consume it.
Control measures focus on reducing contact between rodents and known rabies reservoirs, implementing wildlife vaccination programs, and promptly testing rodents found in contact with domestic animals or humans.